Renting · Troubleshooting

Start with the 14-day rule, then check the lease.

For most New York rentals, the owner must send the remaining deposit and a written list of deductions within 14 days after you move out. Older rent-regulated tenancies and some special housing can be different, so check the lease type and date before you rely on that deadline.

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Reviewed July 14, 2026. Deadlines, forms, account screens, and local office procedures can change. Keep the notice and use the current official instructions.

First move

Check whether the 14-day rule covers your lease. Then put the deposit proof, photos, keys, move-out date, forwarding address, and deductions in one folder before you write or file anything.

Work the problem in this order

  1. Build one move-out folder

    Keep the lease, proof that you paid the deposit, move-in and move-out photos, inspection messages, key receipt, forwarding address, rent record, and every list of deductions or repair receipt.

  2. Check which deposit rule covers the lease

    For most rentals, the owner has 14 days after you move out to send the remaining deposit and a written list of deductions. Rent-stabilized leases and renewals made on or after November 15, 2025 now have the same basic inspection and 14-day protections. Older rent-stabilized agreements, rent-controlled homes, and some special housing may follow other rules.

  3. Separate damage from ordinary wear

    The law allows certain reasonable, itemized deductions, such as unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear, some unpaid utilities owed to the owner, and moving or storing belongings left behind. It does not allow a charge for ordinary wear or damage left by an earlier tenant.

  4. Use the inspection if you have not moved yet

    If the rule applies and you give enough notice, you can ask for a move-out inspection. The owner gives written notice of the time, lists proposed cleaning or repairs afterward, and gives you a chance to fix those items before the tenancy ends.

  5. Send a short, dated demand

    List the deposit paid, move-out date, forwarding address, money returned, and each deduction you dispute. Ask for the balance, the itemized statement, and the records that support the charges. Keep proof that the message was sent.

  6. Name the right owner or LLC

    If the building was sold or an LLC collected the money, use the lease, payment record, property record, and Attorney General guidance to identify the correct person or company before you file anything.

  7. Choose the next official route

    The Attorney General offers help with deposit complaints and may mediate. Small claims can be another route. Use the correct defendant name and address, choose a court that can hear the amount and location, and bring the full move-out folder.

Sources and review

Where this information comes from

Use the current agency page, form, notice, record, or responsible professional to confirm the live answer.

Last reviewed
July 14, 2026

Use this carefully: Deposit timing and remedies can depend on rent-regulation status, the tenancy, and the current statute. Build a complete move-out record, then confirm the right complaint or court route for the amount, address, and parties involved.

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